Apparatus for and method of producing upholstery



April 2, 1935. A. s. MITCHELL 1,996,728

APPARATUS FOR AND METHOD OF PRODUCING UPHOLSTERY Filed July 5, 1932 l0 Sheets-Sheet 1 April 2, 1935.

A. S. MITCHELL APPARATUS FOR AND METHOD OF PRODUGING UPHOLSTERY Filed July 5, 1932 10 Sheets-Sheet 2 6 Qwffw@ J @n April 2, 1935. A. s. MITCHELL 1,996,728 A APPARATUS FOR AND METHOD 0F PRODUCING ,UPHOLSTERY I Filed July 5, 1952 1o sheets-sheet' gg .5f

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April 2, 1935- AA. s. MITCHELL 1,996,728

APPARATUS FR AND METHOD OF PRODUCING UPHOLSTERY v Filed July 5, 1932 lO Sheets-Sheet 5 Pff? April 2, 1935.

A. s. MITCHELL APPARATUS FOR AND METHOD OF' PRODUCING UPHOLSTERY Filed July 5, 1932 l0 Sheets-Sheet 6 April 2, 1935. A. s. MITCHELL APPARATUS FOR AND METHOD OF PRODUCING UPHOLSTERY l0 Sheets-Sheet 7 Filed July 5, 1932 April 2, 1935. AA s MV1-@HELL 1,996,728

APPARATUS FOR AND METHOD OF PRODUCING UPHOLSTERY Filed July 5, 1932 10 Sheets-Sheet 8 APF 2, 1935 A. s. M|TCHELL 1,996,728

APPARATUS FOR AND METHOD OF PRODUCING UPHOLSTERY Filed July 5,1932 lO Sheets-Sheet 9 f' i Z ff? g v/u'xaf 49j April 2, y1,935.

A. s. MITCHELL 1,996,728

APPARATUS FOR AND METHOD OF PRODUCING UPHOLSTERY v Filed July 5, 1932 1o sheets-sheet 1o Tf @5f/j A O .Z L

Patented Apr. 2, 1935 PATENT OFFICE APPARATUS FOR AND METHOD OF PRO- DUCING UPHOLSTERY l Allister S. Mitchell, Detroit, Mich.,

National Automotive Fibres, Inc.,

assignor to Detroit,

Mich., a. corporation of Delaware Application July 5, 1932, Serial No. 620,955

34 Claims.

The invention relates to apparatus for and amethod of manufacturing upholstery and is particularly adapted to be embodied in'a machine for manufacturing stuffed, pleated automobile seat-cushions, box-cushions, etc.

The primary object of the invention is to provide an improved method and an improved machine for manufacturing stuffed upholstery from pre-cut covers, batting and lining fabric.

More particularly, it is an object of the invention to provide a continuously operating machine in which there will be no waste of the battmaterial.

One form of the invention is embodied in a machine which comprisesmeans for advancing the lining material continuously, the pre-cut covers being fed to the lining fabric in spaced relation. The machine also comprisesbatt-feeding means controlled by electrical apparatus which, in turn', is controlled by the pre-cut covers. The electrical apparatus comprises a metallic mesh or curtain adapted to contact with the frame of the machine to close an electrical circuit which then actuates means to sever the batt-material and stop the feed of the unsevered portion. The metallic mesh or curtain lies in the path of the pre-cut covers and will be disengaged from the frame of the machine when a pre-cut cover is advanced to the lining fabric. This opens the electrical circuit and permits the batt-feeding mechanism td function. The construction is such that batts will be fed to the lining fabric only when "a pre-cutY cover is fed thereto and the batts may be of any desired length. Thus, they may beof the same length as the pre-cut covers or shorter. The improved machine comprises means for forming seam-ridges and pleat-fulnesses in the pre-cut covers, the seam-ridges of the pre-cut covers being sewed to the lining fabric in such manner that the batts are disposed in the pleat-funesses. v

Another form of the invention is embodied in a machine which comprises photo-electric tubes controlled by the pre-cut covers in such manner that the batt-feeding mechanism functions in the' same manne!` as the rst machine described above.

Still another form of theinvention is embodied in a machine which comprises only mechanical parts for controlling the batt-feeding mechanism, 'lhe mechanical partsbeing controlled by the precut covers so that 'the improved machine functions in the same manner as the two machines` described above.

Other objects and advantages will Abecome apparent as the following detailed description progresses, reference being had to the accompanying drawings, wherein- Figure 1 is a broken side elevation ofthe improved machine; Figure 2, a broken plan view 5 of the machine; Figure 3, a broken fragmentary longitudinal section taken through the machine; Figure 4, an enlarged fragmentary View looking at the same side of the machine as in Figure 1; Figure 5, a plan view -of some of the apparatus 10 shown in Figure 4, an electrical circuit being illustrated diagrammatically in connection with certain electro-magnets vwhich form part of the improved machine; Figure 6, a broken sectional View taken "on line 6 of\Figure 4; Figure?, 15 fragmentary section taken as indicated at line 1 of Figure 6 Figure 8, a fragmentary section ,taken as indicated on line 8 of Figure 6; Figure 9, a plan View of adjustable mechanism which co-operates with the pre-cut fabric-covers 20 to control the batt feeding and severing means; Figure 10, a fragmentary section taken as indicated at line I0 of Figure 3; Figure 11, abroken side elevation illustrating the apparatus for driving the batt conveyor; Figure 12, a plan view of 25 the upholstery as` it appears when it is discharged from the improved apparatus; Figure 13, a plan elevation of mechanism embodying another form of the invention and adapted to be employed in place of the mechanism illustrated in Figure 9; 30, Figure 14, a longitudinal vertical fragmentary section through apparatusl which embodies another form of the invention; Figure 15, a plan view of the improved apparatus shown in Figure 14; Figure 16, a fragmentary side elevation of 35 some of the apparatus shown in Figure 15; Figure 1'7,` a diagram of an electrical circuit forming part of the apparatus shown in Figures 14 to 16, inclusive; Figure 18, a broken vertical longitudinal section through apparatus which embodies 40 still another form of the invention; Figure 19, a plan view of the apparatus shown in Figure 18; Figure 19A, a fragmentary section taken as indicated on line ISA of Figure-19; Figure 20, a fragmentary section taken as indicatedy on line 20 of Figure 19; Figure 21, a fragmentary side view of a sleeve and push-rod which form parts of the apparatus shown in Figures 18 to 20, inclusive; Figure 22, a fragmentary side view of a clutch and means for controlling it, said clutch and controlling means being part of the apparatus illustrated in Figures 18 to 21, inclusive; and Figure 23, a section taken as indicated at line 23 of Figure 22.

Most of the apparatus illustrated in Figures 1 55 to 10, inclusive, is substantially identical with the apparatus shown and described in my cpending application S. N. 572,691, led November 2, 193,1 and therefore it will be unnecessary to describe, in detail, such mechanisms as the sewn ing mechanism, the mechanism for shaping the pre-cut covers into pleat-fulnesses and intervening seam-ridges, the batt-feeding mechanism, the lining fabric-feeding mechanism, the pre-cut cover placing and advancing mechanism, etc., as these mechanisms are disclosed fully in the co-pending application. The present invention is embodied in an improved upholstery machine which comprises novel apparatus'for controlling the batt-feeding and severing mechanism and the detailed descriptions of the several illustrated embodiments of the invention will include so much description as is necessary to enable one skilled in the art to understand fully the manner in which the apparatus shown in the copending application has been modified to co-operate with the apparatus which forms the present invention. Reference may be made to the co-pending application for detailed description and illustration of details which do not form a part of the present invention.

Referring for the present to Figures 1 to 12,\

inclusive, A designates a main frame'which is equipped near its front end with a vertically adjustable cross-head, A', the frame being provided with a bed-extension A2 over Vwhich the pre-cut covers are fed; A3, a frame-work which serves as a support for a batt-conveyor and other devices disposed over the frame A; B, a front section-conveyor mounted in the bed of the machine; B', an auxiliary conveyor disposed back of the conveyor B; B2, longitudinally extending ridge-bars which extend over both conveyors and have their front ends extending through peripheral grooves in a forming-roll F mounted on the cross-head A; C, a series of sewing mechanisms mounted on the cross-head A' and laterally adjustable thereon to enable the width of thepleats to be varied, said sewing-mechanisms being actuated by a common shaft C which is driven .through the medium of an intermediate coupling-shaft (not shown) from a shaft C3 journaled in the main frame; D, a thread-supporting device positioned above the sewing-mechanisms and supported from the frame A3; E and E', a pair of front feed-rolls by` which the upholstery 4is drawn through the front end of the machine and from which the upholstery passes to the delivery mechanism (not shown) which serves to fold it; F, the forming-roll identified above, which forming-roll has spaced circumferential grooves through which the ridge bars B2 extend;

- G, a series of lining-creasers adjustably mounted on a transverse barv G carried by `the frame; H, a front batt-feeding roll which co-operates with a concave H', I, I', an auxiliary pair of batt-feeding rolls journaled in supports carried by the main frame, said auxiliary rolls being arrested at the proper times to cause severence of the batts; J, a shearingl edge forming a part of the concave H' and disposed immediately back of the front batt-feeding roll H; K, lK, mounting blocks carried by the main frame and supporting the batt-feeding rolls and the associated concave; L, an electric motor disposed under the front portion of the frame of the machine, which motor actuates through the medium of a chain or belt L', a counter-shaft L2 (Fig. l) L3, a sprocket Y chain actuated by the shaft L2 and serving to actuate reversing gear mechanism (not shown),

this mechanism serving to actuate a rearwardly and downwardly inclined shaft L5 which serves to actuate the elevator or cover fabric support;` L5, a sprocket chain which serves to actuate a jack-shaft L7, which, in turn, actuates a belt L3 through the medium of which4 a variable speed transmission L9 is actuated; L10, a shaft actuated by the variable speed mechanism L9 and serving in turn to actuate a horizontal shaft L11, the shaft L11 serving to actuate a cam shaft which controls the piece-placing mechanism and the fabric-forming mechanism; L12, a sprocket chain driven by the shaft L2 and serving to drive a shaft L13 which, in turn, operates through a speed-reducing mechanism L14 to actuate the lower upholstery-feeding roll'E; L15, a sprocket chain actuated 'from the shaft L13 and serving to actuate a short horizontal shaft L15, which as shown in Fig. 1 serves to actuate the shaft C3; L19, a sprocket chain driven by the lower feed roll E and serving to actuate a shaft L20, from which power is communicated through transmission means L21 to the forming roll F; L22, a sprocket chain driven from the lower feed roll E and serving to actuate a short transverse shaft L23, which actuates a sprocket chain L24, serving to transmit power to a shaft L25, (Fig. 3) which actuates the front suction-conveyor B; L26, a sprocket chain driven by the shaft L25 and serving to drive a roll L27, which actuates the rear suction-conveyor B'; M, a slowly elevated fabricsupport or cover-support which serves to elevate a stack M' of pre-cut covers; N, a piece-placing mechanism adapted to position the pre-cut covers on the bed of the machine; O, fabric forming mechanism co-operating with the suction-conveyors and the ridge-bars in forming the covers into seam-ridges and intervening ypleat-fulnesses; P, a lining-fabric which is drawn from a roll P about a tensioning device P2 and thence to the forming roll F; Q, a batt-conveyor supported on the frame A3, said conveyor having a front propeller-roll Q' which is actuated by a shaft Q2 driven by means operatively connecting it to the batt-feeding roll I (Fig. 11); Q3, a continuously driven shaft operatively connected to the shaft L20 by a sprocket chain Q4, the shaft Q3 being connected by suitable gearing, as shown in Fig. 11, to the batt-feeding roll H which is driven continuously; Q5, batts carried by the conveyor Q and descending from the front end thereof over an inclined plate Q5 to the batt-feeding rolls I and I'; R, a series of guides or short chutes mounted on the main frame and serving to guide the batts to the rolls I and I'; and R', a transverse shaft equipped with toothed batt-feeding and directing discs R2 which' serve to direct and feed the batts through the chutes R, the shaft R' being actuated by a train of gears 48 which are driven by the roll I' so that the toothed discs R2 will be arrested when the auxiliary rolls I and I are arrested to cause severance of the batts.

Again referring to the drawings, L17 designates a sprocket chain which, as shown in Fig. 2, is driven by the lower feed roll E and serves to actuate a shaft L13, the shaft L111 being connected operatively by means including a gear 61 to a shaft S which rotates continuously (Fig. 4) T, a shaft to which motion is transmitted periodically from.

the shaft S through suitable transmision mechanism; and U, a shaft to which motion is transmitted periodically through suitable transmission mechanism.

The means operatively connecting the shaft L1s with theshaft S and the means operatively connecting the shaft S with the shafts T and U are ,illustrated in detail in the above identified copending application. 'I'he shaft T actuates the piece-placing mechanism N. The shaft U actuates thev fabric-forming mechanism O. The means which operatively connects the shaft T with the piece-placing mechanism and the means which operatively connects the shaft U with the .f

` ably journaled in the housing 200 and is provided fabric-forming mechanism are illustrated in detail in the co-pen'ding application.

It may be' mentioned at this point in the description that the ridge-bars B2, the forming-roll F and the parts co-operating therewith to form the seam-ridges in the lining-fabric and the precut covers may be adjusted in the same manner as the sewing mechanisms are adjusted to enable the width of the pleats to be varied.

Briefly; the operation of the above described apparatus is as follows: Pre-cut covers M are supported on the elevator M and are removed therefrom and placed by hand on the rear suctionconveyor B' at the proper moment the pieceplacing mechanism N operates to feed the cover forwardly into position under the fabric-forming mechanism O. The front suction-conveyor B preferably operates somewhat faster than the rear suction-conveyorv so that a certain amount of retarding action is exerted by the rear conveyor, thus causing the fabric to be stretched properly. At the proper instant, the fabric-forming mechanism O operates to form the pre-cut cover over the ridge bars B2. Portions of the forming mechanism travel forwardly and are lowered and then lifted and then Vraised during the forward movement and are maintained in the elevated position during the returnstroke of the forming mechanism.

The lining-fabric P passes in back of the forming-roll F and in front of the lining-creasers G, these parts co-operating to form seam-ridges in the vlining-fabric which receive the seamsridges of thel covers as the covers pass, ad seriatum, beneath the forming-roll. The seam-ridges are sewn by the sewing mechanism C. The upholstery passes from the sewing mechanism between the feed rolls E and E which exert a forward pull on the upholstery.

The toothed discs R2 not only aid in feeding the batts, but perform the further function of creasing the batts centrally cn the side which will lie adjacent the lining-fabric.

The improved means for controlling the battfeeding rolls I and I will now be described. This means comprises a transmission device which is designated generally by the reference character W, (Figs. l, 2, 4 and 5). The transmission device vW comprises a housing 200 mounted on the frame A. A shaft journaled in the housing 200 is driven from the shaft L13 by means including a sprocket chain 202 (Figs. 1, 4, 6 and 7). A worm 203 fixed to the shaft 20| meshes with a worm gear 204 which is constrained to rotate with a shaft 205 journaled in the housing 200 (Fig. 6). A bevel gear 208 fixed to one end of the shaft 205 meshes with a bevel gear 209 fixed to a shaft 2 I0, the shaft 2|0 being journaled in the housing 200 and in a bracket member 2 |2 secured to the housing member.

It will be noted that the worm gear 204 is secured to a clutch member 2|5 which is keyed to the shaft 205. The clutch member 2|5 is pro-- vided with'jaws which areengageable with the jaws of a clutch member 2|6 splined on a sleeve 2| 1 which is journaled onthe shaft 205. A spring 220 disposed around the sleeveZ I1 and interposed between the 4clutch member 2|6 and a flange 222 formed on the sleeve.. 2|1 yieldingly urges the clutch member 2 |6 into driving engagement with the clutch member 215. The clutch member 2|6 is provided with an annular groove 225 into which anti-friction rollers 221 project, the rollers 221 being mounted cn the bifurcations of a fork230y which is pinned to a rod 23 The rod 23| is slidat one end with gear teeth 232 which mesh with a pinion 233 xed to a vertically disposed shaft 234. At its other end, the rod 23| is provided with a roller 236 which is engageable by a cam member 231 which is mounted on the periphery of a flange 238 formed integral with a clutch member 239, the flange 238 being provided with an annular groove 240 int-o which a lug 24| formed upont-he cam member 231 projects. The cam member 231 is secured to the flange 238A by a bolt 242.

The clutch member'239 is provided with jaws which are engageable with jaws 245 formed upon a clutch member 246 which is keyed' to the shaft 2|0. lThe clutch member 239 is journaled on the shaft 2|0. i

f A bracket member 248 secured to the bracket.

provided with pins 252 which ride in an annular groove 253 formed in the clutch member 239.

The free end of the lever 25| is provided with an armature 255 operatively disposed with respect toa pair of co-operating electro-magnets 256 mounted above the housing 200. The construction is such that when the armature is attracted. by the electro-magnets 256, the lever 25| will be displaced angularly in a counter-clockwise direction (Fig. 4) against the action of a spring 258 and the pins 252 will displace the clutch member 239 to bring its jaws into engagement with the jaws provided on the clutch member 246. When the electro-magnets 256 are de-energized, the spring( 258 will retract the lever 25|, and the clutch members 239 and 246 will be disengaged from each other.

248 is adapted to engage the surface 26| at one end, of the clutch member 239, the surface 26| being provided with a notch 262 adapted` to receive the pin 260 when the clutch members 239 and 246 are disengaged from each other.

As best shown in Figs. 4, 5-and 6, a pinio'n 210 keyed to the sleeve 2|1 meshes with an idler gear A21| which, in turn, meshes with an idler gear 212. The idler gear 212 meshes with an idler gear 213 which meshes with a gear 214 fixed to the batt-feeding roll I. Another gear 215 secured to the roll I' meshes with a gear 216 secured tothe batt-feeding roll I.

Referring now to Fig. 5, a pair of electro-magnets 280 are provided with an armature 28| carried on the free end of a lever 282, which has its other end pivoted on a pin 283. The pin 283 projects vfrom a bracket 284 secured to the housing 200. Formed in the lever 282 is an angular slot 285 in which a pin '286 rides.

`5. The contact member 29| is carried by a post v l 293 which projects from the housing 200.

'I'he pin 286 Y projects from the free end of the lever 281 which l It will be readily understood that if the electromagnets 256 are energized they will attract their armature 255 and angularly displace the lever 25| against the action of the spring 258 to bring the clutch jawsI of the clutch member 239 into engagement with the clutch jaws 245. Such engagement of the clutch jaws of the member 239 with the clutch jaws 245 will cause the clutch member 239 to make one complete revolution with the shaft 2|0. During the complete revolution of the clutch member 239 the cam member 231 displaces the rod 23| in a direction away from the shaft 2|0 and causes the shaft 234 to rotate in a clock-wise direction (Fig. 6) so that the lever "281 is angularly` displaced in a like direction. Such displacement ofthe lever 281 causes the' pin 286 to displace the lever 282 in a counter clockwise direction (Fig. to bring the armature 28| into a position wherein it may be retained by the electro-magnets 280 if they are energized at that time. As soon as the electro-magnets are deenergized, the spring 220 acting through the clutch member 2|6 and the rod 23| returns the levers 281 and 282 to the positions wherein they are shown in Fig. 5. It will be noted that when the armature 28| is displaced toward the electromagnets 280, the contact member 290 is disengaged from the contact member 29|.

Referring` to Fig. 6, it will be noted that when the rod 23| `has been displaced by the cam 231 to rotate the shaft 234 in a clock-wise direction, the fork 230 holds the clutch member 2|6 ina position wherein its clutch jaws do not engage the clutch jaws of the clutch member 2|5. The sleeve 2|1 will then cease to rotate and the battfeeding rolls I and I', driven through the gears associated with the pinion 2 10, will also cease to rotate and thus cause the batts to be severed at the shearing edge J, it being understood that the batt-feeding roller H continues to rotate and that the batt-feeding rolls I and I' are driven from the shaft 205 when the clutch members 2|5 and 2|6 functionally engage each other. When the cam 231 passes from beneath the roller v236, the rod 23| is not necessarily displaced by the action of the spring 220 through the fork 230 for as long as the electro-magnets 280 are energized, the levers 282 and 281 will cosoperate by means of the connection at the slot 285 in lever 282 and hold the rod 23| in the upper position wherein it is shown in Fig. 6.1 When the rod is in this position, the clutch member 2|6 is held disengaged from theclutch member 2|5.

The electrical circuit for the electro-magnets- 256 and 280 is illustrated diagrammatically in Fig. 5. It will be noted that the electro-magnets 256 are arranged in parallel with each other and that electro-magnets 280 are arranged in parallel with each other, one terminal of each of the electro-magnets being grounded to the framework A. One terminal of each of the electromagnets 280 is connected to the contact member 29| and one terminal of each of the electro-v magnets 256 is connected to the contact member 290. The last mentioned terminals of the electro.. magnets 280 are also connected permanently to one terminal of a storage battery 300, or the equivalent, which has its other terminal connected to a metallic curtain or mesh 30|, the metallic curtain or mesh 30| being suspended from a bar 303 formed from electrical insulation. The mesh 30| extends transversely (at a slight angle) across the bed of the machine so that its lower end will contact with the ridge bars B2 when they are not covered by the pre-cut covers M'. The ridge bars are grounded to the frame A.

Briefly, the operation of the 'transmission mechanism W is as follows: if it is assumed that one of the pre-cut covers M is traveling over the ridge bars B2 as illustrated diagrammatically in Fig. 5 so that the metallic mesh 30| is held out of engagement with the ridge bars, it will be readily understood that no current will flow through the electro-magnets 256 and 280. The spring 220 will then hold the clutch member 2|6 in effective engagement with the clutch member 2 5 and the roller 236 will rest upon the periphery of the clutch member 246 at a point spaced from the cam member 231, the clutch member 246 being stationary at this time as its clutch jaws 245 are not engaged by the clutch jaws of the clutch member 239. The shaft 205 will be rotated through the medium of the sprocket chain 202. the worm 203 and the worm gear 204. This rotation of the shaft 205 will be transmitted to the sleeve 2|1 through the clutch members 2|5 and 2|6. 'ihe sleeve 2|1 will drive the pinion 210 and it, in turn, will drive the idler gears 21|, 212 and 213 to drive the roll I. 'I'he gear 214 on the roll I' will drive the gear 216 fixed to the roll I.

Then,.as the machine continues to function, the pre-cut cover M will be advanced along the ridge bars until the metallic mesh will engage one of the ridge bars B2 and close the circuits through the electro-magnets 256 and 280. The electromagnets 256 will be energized by current flowing from the battery 300 through the contact member 29|, the contact member 290, the electromagnets 256, the frame A, one or more ridge bars B2 and thence' through the wire mesh 30| to the battery 300. Simultaneously, a current will flow from the battery 300 through the electromagnets 280, the frame A, one or more of the ridge bars B2 and thence through the wire mesh 30| back to the battery 300. When the electro? magnets 256 are energized in this manner, they cause the clutch jaws of the clutch member 239 to engage the clutch jaws 245 in the manner described above and this engagement of these clutch jaws causes the clutch member 239 to make one complete revolution with the shaft 2|0 so that the rod 23| will be displaced to rotate the shaft 234 in a clock-wise direction (Fig. 6) and to cause the fork 230 to disengage the clutch member 2|6 from the clutch member 2|5. Of course, the feed rolls I and I will cease to rotate as soon as the clutch member 2|6 is disengaged from the clutch member 2| 5 and, as explained above, the clutch member 2|6 will be held out of effective engagement with the clutch member 2 5 until the electro-magnets 280 are subsequently de-energized. 'Ihey will be de-energized when the next pre-cut,` cover fabric M passes beneath the metallic mesh 30| and lifts it from the ridge bars B2. The feed rolls I and I will then resume their task of feeding the batts to the continuously driven feed roll H.

From the foregoing it will be readily understood that the feeding of the batts will be interrupted periodically. The timing of the apparatus is such that batts of substantially any desired length may be supplied in connection with the pre-cut covers so that there will not be any waste of the batt material. Inthe event a pre-cut cover is not placed upon the ridge bars B2 at the proper time during the operation of the machine, no batts will be advanced, although the lining fabric continues to advance.

Referring now to Figs. 9 and 10, it will be noted that the bar 303 which carries the metallic mesh 30| has one end pivoted to an arm 3I0 of a bell crank lever 3II having another arm 3|2. The lever 3| I is pivoted to a bracket 3I4 secured to the concave H. The other end of the bar 303 is provided with a pin 3|5 which rides in a slot 3|8 formed in an arm 3I1 of a bell crank lever 3I9 having a second arm 3|9. The bell crank lever 3I8 is pivoted to a bracket 320 secured to the concave H'. a nut 325 which is screw threaded on a rod 326, the rod 326 being journaled in a bearing member 321 and a tubular member 328. The tubular member 3281s journaled in a bearing member 330. The bearing members 321 and 330 are secured to the concave H'. A nut 333 associated with the arm 3 I 9 is screw threaded on the tubular member 328. The screw threads on the rod 326 and the tubular member 328 are cut in opposite Y directions.

The nut 325 is provided with a pin 336 which rides in a slot 331 formed in the arm 3|2.The

nut 333 is provided with a pin 338 which rides in a slot 339 formed in the arm 3|9.

The tubular member 328 is held against longitudinal displacement by a collar 340 and a bevel gear 34 I, both of these members being secured to the tubular member and being disposed at oppo- Site sides of the bearing member 330. Meshing with the gear 34| is a bevel gear 343 pinned to a shaft 344 which is journaled in a bracket member 345. A gear 341 fixed to the'shaf-t 344 is engageable by a gear 348 splined to a shaft 349 which is also journaled in the bracket 345. The shafts 344 and 349 are provided with knobs 350 and 35|, respectively, the knob 35| being secured to the gear 348 so 'that it may be displaced therewith longitudinally of the shaft 349, when the gear 348 is to be brought into mesh with the gear 341.

A bevel gear 355 pinned to the shaft 349 meshes with a bevel gear 356 pinned to the rod 326. The rod 326 is held against longitudinal displacement relative to the tubular member 328 by a collar 360 and a spacing sleeve 310, the spacing sleeve 310 being disposed between the bevel gears 34| and 356.

The construction illustrated in Figs. 9 and 10 is such that one may displace the gear 348 to engage or mesh with the gear 341 and then either of the knobs 350 or 35| may be rotated manually to shift the bar 303 bodily toward nthe front or back of the machine. In other words, the bar 303 and the metallic mesh 30| are displaced as a unitl longitudinally of the machine. Obviously, the batt-feeding apparatus may be adjusted in this manner to have the breaks in the batts occur at the 'spaces between adjacent pre-cut covers M advanced over the ridge bars B'. If the gears 341 and 348 are disengaged from each other, the knob 350 may be rotated to displace the left hand end (Figs. 9 and 10) of the fabric longitudinally of the ridge bars in either direction.' Likewise, the knob 35| may be rotated to displace the right hand end of the metallic mesh 30| longiiudinally of the ridge bars in either direction. Such adjustment of the metallic mesh by manipulating one or the other of the knobs 350 and 35| varies the angle which the metallic mesh "the machine is preferably adjusted so that lche Associated with the arm 3|2 is batts are shorter than the pre-cut covers. This makes it unnecessary to pluck the batt-material 'from the ends of the pre-cut covers before the ends are sewed to the' lining fabric. However, it is readily understood that the batts may be as long as the pre-cut covers if it is so desired.

Figure 12 illustrates the manner in which the product of the improved apparatus is delivered therefrom. The lining fabric P is continuous, the pre-cut cover fabrics M being secured to the lining-fabric in spaced relation with each other. The batts Q are shown to be shorter in length than the pre-cut covers so that it is unnecessary to pluck the ends of eachindividual piece of upholstery before the ends are sewed.

Referring now to Fig. 13 wherein mechanism is shown which may be employed in place of themechanism illustrated in Figs. 9 and 10, the reference characters 326a and 328a designate a rod and a tubular member, respectively, which are preferably identical in/construction with the rod 326 and the tubular member 328, respectively, described above. At their right hand ends (Fig. 13), the rod 326a and the tubular member 328a are connected'to mechanism (not shown) which is videntical with the mechanism shown in Figs. 9

and for rotating the rod 326 and the tubular member 328.

This mechanism (not shown) connected to the rod 326a and the tubular member 328a permits one to rotate either the rod or the tubular member in either direction by itself or to rotate both parts simultaneously.

Screw threaded upon the left hand end of the tubular member 328a is a nut 333a which has a pin and slot connection with an arm 3I9a of a bell crank lever 3 I 8a which also comprises an arm 3I1a. A pin 3| 5a which projects from the free end of thel arm 3|1a rides in a slot 3| 6a provided in a bar. 303a which is formed from electrical insulation. Suspended from the bar 303a is a metallic mesh or curtain 30 lawhich is similar in construction and has the same function as the mesh 30|l described above. The left hand end of the bar 303a is pivoted to a bracket 321a `which is mounted in the same manner as the from the bar 303b is a metallic mesh or curtain' 30 Ib which has the same function as the metallic mesh or curtain 30| described above.

It will be readily understood that the mechanism (not shown) connected to the right hand ends (Fig. 13) of the rod 326a and the tubular member 328a may be manipulated by means of knobs (not shown) identical in construction with the knobs 350 and 35|, described above, to displace angularly either of the levers 3| Ia and 3|8a around their pivotal axes to adjust them to cause a break in the batts of the desired length. In other words, the length of the batts may be varied by adjusting either of the bars 303a and 303b. When the point at which the break in the batts occurs is to be shifted longitudinally of the machine to correspond to pre-cut covers M' of a certain length, the bars 303a and 303b are shifted as a unit longitudinally of the machine. Another form of the invention is illustrated in is a clutch lever 4| Figs. 14 to 17, inclusive. With the exception of the means for driving the batt-feeding rollers I and I', the machine which embodies this invention is identical in construction with the machine illustrated in Figs. 1 to 11, inclusive. Like parts in the two machines are identified by like reference characters. It will be noted that the shaft L18 of the machine shown in Figs. 1 to 11, inclusive, has been replaced by a shaft L118 which resembles the similar shaft of themachine shown in the above identified co-pending application. The shaft L118 is driven from the lower feed roll E by a chain L11?. A gear 61 xed to the shaft L118 has the same function as the gear 61 forming part of the machine illustrated in Figs. 1 to 11, inclusive. Journaled on the shaft L118 is a sleeve 400 to which a sprocket wheel 40| is fixed. A clutch collar 402 splined on the sleeve 400 is provided with clutch jaws 403 which are engageable with clutch jaws 404 formed on a clutch member 405 which is xed to the outer end of the shaft LHS. A spring 408 disposed around the sleeve 400 yieldingly urges the clutch collar 402 toward the clutch member 405.

Pivoted intermediate its ends on a bracket 4|0 One end of the lever 4|| engages an annular groove formed in theclutch collar 402, the other end of the lever 4|| being provided with an armature 4|2 operatively disposed with respect to an electro-magnet 4|4. The construction is such that when the electromagnet 4|4 is energized, it attracts the armature 4|2 and the lever 4|| retracts the clutch 402 against the action of the spring 408. When the electro-magnet '4|2 is de-energized, the spring 408 displaces the clutch collar 402 into a position wherein its clutc'h jaws engage the clutch jaws 404.

A sprocket chain 4|5 connects the sprocket wheel 40| with a sprocket wheel 4|6 xed to the roll I. A gear 4|1 fixed to the roll I meshes with 'a gear 4| 8 xedto the roll I. It will be readily understood that when the electro-magnet 4I4 is de-energized, the rolls I and I will be driven from the shaft L118 through the cl'utch mechanism4 associated with that shaft and through the sprocket chain 4| 5.

In this embodiment of the invention the perforate belt of the conveyor B is replaced by three belts 420, 42| and 422, the outer belts 420 and 422 being spaced from the intermediate belt 42| to provide slotsor spaces 425 and 426 between the belts. (Fig. 15.) As best shown in Figs. 14 and 15, photo-electric tubes 430 and 43| are disposed within the conveyor B and register with the slots 425 and 426, respectively, the photoelectric tubes 430 and 43| being mounted in bases 433 and 434, respectively, which are screw threaded upon rods 435 and 436, respectively. The lower ends of the bases 433 and 434 slidably engage bars 431 which prevent the photo-electric tubesfrom being angularly displaced around the longitudinal axes of the rods 435 and 436. Each of the rods 435 and 436 is provided with a bevel gear 440 which meshes with a bevel gear 44| xed to a shaft 442. is provided with a hand wheel 443. The hand wheels 443 may be rotated to displace the photoelectric tubes longitudinally in either direction along the rods 435 and 436.

Disposed above each of the tubes 430 and 43| is a lamp 448 adjustably mounted on a bracket 449, the bracket 449 being mounted on the concave H.

The outer end of each shaft 442 As illustrated diagrammatically in Fig. 17, the tube 430 is operatively connected to an electromagnet 450, the tube 43| being operatively connected to an electro-magnet 45| 'Ihe means for operatively connecting the photo-electric tubes to the electro-magnets are shown conventionally as the details thereof do not form a part of this invention. It may be mentioned, however, that these means preferably comprise three element vacuum tubes 454 and 455 which amplify the curlrents of the photo-electric tubes 430 and 43|,

respectively.

-The electro-magnets 450 and 45| are parts of relays 460 and 46| which also comprise armatures 464 and 465, respectively, which are engageable with the contact points 462 and 463, respectively. When the electro-magnets 450 and 45| are de-energized, springs 410 and 41| hold the armatures 464 and 465, respectively, disengaged from the contact points 462 and 463, respectively. The relays 460 and 46| control the electro-magnet 4|4 through circuits whichinclude storage batteries 415 and 415, respectively, or the equivalent, for the purpose.

One terminal of the storage battery 415 is connected to a terminal of the electro-magnet 4| 4 which has its other terminal connected to the armatures 454 and 465.. One terminal of the battery 416 is connected to the rst mentioned terminal of the electro-magnet 4|4. The other terminals of the storage batteries 415 and 416 are connected to the contact points 462 and 463.

When the photo-electric tube 430 is subjected to the light ofthe lamp 448, a current flowsK through the tube 430 and is amplified by the three element vacuum tube 454 to such an extent that the electro-magnet 450 is energized and attracts its armature 464 into a position wherein it engages the contact point 462. Likewise, when the photo-electric tube 43| is subjected 'to the light of the lamp 448 associated with it, the current of the photo-electric tube 43| is amplified and the electro-magnet 45|V is energized so that it attracts its armature 465 into a position wherein it engages the contact point 463. Whenever either or both of the circuits through the contact points 462 and 463 are closed by the armatures 464 and 465, respectively, the electro-magnet 4|4 is energized and the clutcha jaws 403 of the clutch collar 402 are disengaged from the clutch jaws 404 of the clutch member 405'. The batt-feeding rolls I and I then stop and effect a severance of the batts at the shearing edge J.

The operation of the apparatus shown in Figs. 14 to 17, inclusive is as follows: whenever a precut cover M passes between the photo-electric tubes V430 and 43|, the photo-electric-tubes are not subjected to the light of the lamps 448 and the electro-magnets 450 and 45| are no t energized. When this condition obtains, the battfeeding rolls I and I' are driven in synchronism with the batt-feed roll H. However, as soon as the pre-cut cover has advanced far enough to uncover one of the photo-electric tubes, one of the electro-magnets 450 or 45| is energized so that the electro-magnet 4|4 becomes energized. The batt-feeding rolls I and I then cease `to rotate and the batts are severedat the shearing edge J. 'Ihe photo-electric tubes 430 and 43| are spaced from each other longitudinally of the machine and the distance they are spaced from each other determines the space left between the batts of pre-cut covers advanced consecu- .Wheels 443. They may be adjusted to vary the gap between adjacent batts and also to have the gaps occur in the proper-positions with respect" to the pre-cut covers.

Another embodiment of the invention is illustrated in Figs. 18 to 23, inclusive. This embodiment of the invention comprises apparatus which, with thev exception of the means for controlling the auxiliary batt-feeding rolls I and I', is substantially identical with the apparatus shown in Figs. 1 to 11, inclusive. In Figs. 18 to 23, inclusive, those parts which are substantially duplicates of the parts shown in Figs. 1 to 11, inclusive, are identified by the same reference characters.

In the machine illustrated in Figs. |6 to 23 inclusive, and Fig. 19A, the lower feed roll E drives the shaft L218 through a sprocket chain 1.217. The shaft I..21g is provided with a sleeve 500 with which a sprocket wheel 50| is formed integral. The sleeve is rotatably journaled on the shaft Lm. Splined to the sleeve 500 is a clutch collar 502 provided with clutch teeth 503 whiclrare-engageable with clutch teeth 504- of a clutch member 505. Formed integral with the clutch member 505 is a sprocket wheel 506. 'Ihe clutch member 505 is fixed to the shaft Lm. The

sprocket wheel 50| drives the batt-feeding roll I through a sprocket chain 5|0. The sprocket wheel 506 drives a shaft 5|| through a sprocket chain 5|2. (See Fig. 19.) Fixed to the shaft 5|| is a clutch member 5|4 having teeth which are engageable with the teeth of a clutch collar 5|5, the clutch member 5|4 being slidably and rotatably journaled upon the shaft 5| I. A clutch lever 520, which operatively engages the clutch collar 5|5, is fixed to a tubular member 52| which is slidably journaled in the frame A. At its left hand end (Fig. 19). the tubular member 52| has one end of a lever 523 pivoted to it, the lever 523 being pivoted intermediate its ends on a bracket member 524 `fixed. to the frame A. The lever 523 operatively engages the clutch collar 502. AV

reciprocable in the tubular member 52| and in a.

bracket 532 fixed to the frame A. The outer encl of the rod 530 is pivotally connected to a sleeve 534 disposed around an 'eccentric 535 which is fixed to one end of a shaft 531. The shaft 531 is provided with a.bevel gear 538 which meshes with a bevel gear 539. 'I'he bevel gear 539 is constrained to rotate with the batt-feeding roll H which is driven continuously as described in connection with Figs. 1 to 11, inclusive. It may be mentioned at this point in the description, that the batt-feeding roll I is driven by a gear 540 which meshes with a gear 54| constrained to rotate with the batt-feeding roll I'.

Secured to the concave H' are spaced bracket members 550 in which are journaledthe end portions of a rock shaft 55|. A rearwardly extending nger providing a dog 553 is slidably mounted on the rock shaft 55| and has its end portion disposed within slotted keeper 554 depending from the tube 52| (Figs. 19-21). The

rock shaft is further provided with a xedly mounted forwardly extending lever arm 556 to which is pivotally connected an l\ shaped arm 551. Projecting through one leg of the L-shaped member 551 is a rod 558 which is bent as at 559 to prevent it from being withdrawn from the L-shaped member. The lower end of the rod 558 is pivoted to an arm 560 of a bell crank lever 56| which is pivoted to the concave H and has a .depending arm '562. The lower end of the arm 562 is engageable by the pre-cut covers M as they travel over the ridge bars B2. When the arm 562 is not in engagement with a pre-cut cover, it assumes the position wherein it is shown in Fig. 20 so that the free end of the dog 553 occupies the position wherein it is shown in full lines in Fig. 20. When a pre-cut cover M advances over the ridge bars B2, it comes into contact with the free end of the arm 562 and displaces the bell crank lever 56| angularly in a. clock-wise direction (Fig. 20) so that the rod 558 moves upwardly and its bent portion 559 permits the L-shaped member 551. to be elevated by the weight of the dog 553 which moves into the position wherein it is shown in dotted lines (Fig. 20) .l

Referring to Figs. 19, 22 and 23, it will be noted that one end of the clutch member 5 5 is provided with a notch 565 adapted to receive a pin 566 projecting from a bracket 561 fixed to the frame A. When the pin 566 vengages the end surface of the clutch member 5|5, it holds the `clutch member 5|5 in a position wherein its teeth engage the teeth of the clutch member 5|4. However, when the clutch collar 5|5 is displaced in a direction away from the clutch member 5|4l -18 to 23, inclusive, is substantially as follows: if

it is assumed that the bell crank lever 56| is displaced tol the position wherein it is shown in dotted lines (Fig. 20) by a pre-cut cover M passing beneath it, it will be readily understood that the dog 553 `occupies the position wherein it is shown in dotted lines (Fig. 20) and the rod 530 is reciprocated by the eccentric 535 and does not engage the dog. The spring 501 then holds the clutch collar 502 in engagement with the clutch member 505 so that the batt-feeding rolls I and I are driven through the medium of this clutch mechanism and the sprocket chain 5|0. The lever 523, acting under the action of the spring 501, holds the tubular member 52| in a position wherein it causes the clutch lever 520 to hold the clutch collar 5|5 disengaged from the clutch member 5| 4. When the clutch collar 5|5 is disengaged from the clutch member 5 I4, the pin 566 is disposed in the notch 565 and holds the clutch collar 5|5 against rotation. Now, if it is assumed that the pre-cut cover passes from beneath the lever 562 so that the lever assumes-the position whereinit is shown in full lines (Fig. 20), it is readily understood' that the dog`553 will move to l its upper position and will be engaged by the free end of the rod 530 during its next reciprocation. The rod 530 will displace the dog 553 and the tubular member 52| to the left (Fig. 19) against the action of the spring 501 and bring the clutch collar 5|5 into engagement with the clutch member 5|4. Simultaneously, the clutch collar 502 will be disengaged from the clutch member 505 so that the batt-feeding rolls I and I will cease rotating and will cause the batts to be severed at the shearing edge J. When the clutch collar |5 is brought into engagement with the clutch. member 5M, the pin 566 leaves the notch 565 and cannot return into it until the clutch collar 5|5 has made a complete revolution. If, at the end of the complete revolution, the bell crank lever 56| is again displaced by a pre-cut cover, the dog 553 will drop to its lower position and the clutch collar 5|5 will be disengaged from the clutch member 5|4 while the clutch collar 502 is being brought into engagement with the clutch member 555 so that the feeding of the batts will be resumed. However, if, after the clutch collar 5|5 has made one complete revolution, the bell crank lever 56| is not engaged by a following pre-cut cover, the dog 553 will remain in its uppermost position and even though the clutch 5|5 is momentarily disengaged from the clutch member 5|4, it will be brought into engagement therewith due to the action of the rod 530 Which engages the dog 553 and displaces it and the tubular member 52| to the left (Fig. 19).

The space between the batts of adjacent precut covers will be determined by the speed of the shaft 5| Obviously, this speed will also control or. determine the length of the batts as compared with the lengths of the pre-cut covers.

While I have shown and described certain embodiments of my invention, it is to be understood that it is capable of many modifications. Changes, therefore, in the construction and arrangement may be made Without departing from the spirit and scope of the inventionv and disclosed in the appended claims, in which it is my intention to claim all novelty inherent in my invention as broadly as possible, in view of the prior art.

I claim:

1. In the manufacture of a series of stuffed, pleated articles, the method which comprises feeding a continuous lining fabric, batts and precut covers, severing the batts at intervals, and employing said pre-cut covers as an instrumentality'in determining the periodicity, which may vary. of the stopping of the feed and severance of the batts, and also a resumption of the feed of the unsevered portions of the batts.

2. In a machine of the character set forth, the combination with means for feeding a lining fabric, pre-cut covers and batting strips, and effecting severance of the batts; of means including an electric circuit controlling the means for effecting severance of the batts, said electrical circuit comprising a contacting member'controlled by' said covers and dependent for its effect upon the length and spacing of said covers.

3. In a machine of the character set forth, the combination with means for feeding a lining fabric, pre-cut covers and batting strips, and effecting severance of the batts; of cover-controlled electrically operated means including a photoelectric tube controlling the means for effecting severance of the batts, the effect offsaid photoelectric tube being dependent upon the length andspacing of said covers.

4. In a machineiof the character set forth, the combination with means for feeding a lining fabric, pre-cutfcovers and batting strips, and effecting severance of the batts; of cover-controlled electrically operated means including a plurality of spaced photo-electric tubes controlling the means for effecting severance of the batts and dependent for their effect on the length and spacing of said covers; and meansfor varyingy the spacing of the tubes.

5. In a machine of the character set forth, the combination with means for feeding the lining fabric, pre-cut covers and batting-strips, and effecting severance of the batts; of means including a photo-electric tube responsive to a light beam which is interrupted by the movement of said covers whereby the length and spacing of the covers serves to control the severance and feeding of the batting-strips.

6. In a machine of the character set forth, the combination with means for feeding a lining fabric, pre-cut covers and batting-strips, and effecting the severance of the batts; of cover-controlled means wholly controlling the means for feeding and effecting severance of the batts; and means for adjusting the cover-controlled means to vary the lengths of the batts with respect t0 the length of the covers.

7. In a machine of the character set forth, the combination with means for feeding a lining fabric, pre-cut covers and batting-strips, and effecting the severance of the batts; of means dependent on the length and spacing of the covers serving to control the feeding and severance of the batts; and means for adjusting said dependent means to vary the lengths of the batts'with respect to the lengths of the covers.

8. In a machine of the character set forth, the combination with means for feeding a lining fabric, pre-cut covers and batting-strips, and means for effecting severance of the batts; of ridge-bars over which said covers are advanced; means co-operating with said ridge-bars for forming seam-ridges in said covers; an electrical contact member engageable with at least one `of said ridge-bars, said contact member being engageable by said covers to disengage it from said ridge-bar; and electrically operated means controlled by said contact member controlling the means for effecting severance of the batts.

9. In apparatus for forming upholstery, means for continuously feeding lining fabric, means for feeding pre-cut covers to said lining fabric, means for feeding a continuous strip of batting material, means controlled by and dependent on the length and spacing of said pre-cut covers for cutting said batting material into lengths corresponding to the lengths of the pre-cut covers, and means for feeding said severed lengths of batting material between said lining fabric and said precut covers.

10. In apparatus for forming upholstery, means for continuously feeding lining fabric, means for feeding pre-cut covers to said lining fabric, means for feeding a continuous strip of batting material, means controlled by andl dependent upon the length and spacing of said pre-cut covers for cutting said batting material into lengths corresponding to the lengths of the pre-cut covers, means for feeding said severed lengths of batting material between said lining fabric and said pre-cut covers, and means for securing said pre-cut covers to said lining fabric.

l1. In apparatus for forming upholstery, means for feeding lining fabric, means for feeding precut covers to said lining fabric, means for advancing a continuous strip of batting material, and means controlled by the pre-cut covers for stopping the feeding of said batting material.

12. In apparatus for forming upholstery, means for feeding lining fabric, means for feeding precut covers to said lining fabric, means for advancing a continuous strip of batting material, means negarse controlled by and dependent upon the length and spacing of the pre-cut covers for starting and stopping the feeding of said batting material, and means for securing said pre-cut covers to said lining fabric.

13. In apparatus for forming upholstery, means for feeding a lining fabric, meansfor feeding pre-cut covers to said lining fabric, and means controlled by and dependent upon the length and spacing of said pre-cut covers for feeding lengths of batting material between said lining material and said pre-cut covers.

14. In apparatus for forming upholstery, means for feeding a lining fabric, means for feeding precut covers to said lining fabric, and electrically operated means controlled by and dependent upon the length and spacing of said pre-cut covers for feeding lengths of batting material between said lining material and said pre-cut covers.

15. In apparatus for forming upholstery, means for continuously advancing a lining fabric and forming seam-ridges therein, means for feeding pre-cut covers to saidv lining fabric, means controlled by and dependent upon the length and spacing of said pre-cut covers for feeding lengths of batting material between said lining fabric and said pre-cut covers, and means for securing the seam-ridges of said lining fabric to said precut covers.

16. In apparatus for forming upholstery, means for continuously advancing a lining fabric, means for forming seam-ridges in pre-cut covers and feeding them to said lining fabric, means controlled by and dependent upon the length and spacing of said pre-cut covers for feeding spaced lengths of batting material between said pre-cut covers and said lining fabric, and means for securing the seam-ridges of said pre-cut covers to said lining fabric.

1'7. In apparatus for forming upholstery, means for continuously feeding lining fabric, lmeans for feeding pre-cut covers to said lining fabric, means foradvancing a continuous strip of batting material, and means controlled by and dependent upon the length and spacing of each pre-cut cover for severing a length of batting materialfrom said strip thereof and placing it between the lining fabric and the pre-cut cover and in spaced relation with respect to the preceding and succeeding lengths of batting material.

18. In apparatus for forming upholstery, means for feeding a lining fabric, means for feeding pre-cut covers to said lining fabric, means for intermittently advancing a continuous strip of batting material, and electrically operated means for starting and stopping said advancing means and severing lengths of said batting material from said strip thereof and placing them between said lining fabric and said pre-cut covers.

19. In apparatus for forming upholstery, means for supplying lining fabric, means for feeding pre-cut covers to said lining fabric, means holding a supply of batting materiaLand means controlled by and dependent upon theflength and spacing of said pre-cut covers whereby each precut cover causes the severance of a length of said batting material from said supply thereof and permits it to be properly positioned between said lining fabric and the pre-cut cover.

20. In a machine of the character set forth: means for feeding a continuous lining fabric; means for feeding pre-cut covers; batt-feeding and severing means for feeding continuous batts,

effecting severance thereof, and stopping and initiating the feed of the unsevered portions; and a control device for said batt feeding and severing means controlled by said pre-cut covers, the advance end portion of each cover determining the initiation of the feeding of the batts and the rear end portion of each cover determining the time of severance and the stoppage of the feed of the unseveredportions of the batts.

21. In upholstery manufacture, the steps which comprise: feeding batts and pre-cut covers at spaced intervals; severing the batts and retarding the feed of the unsevered portions thereof; and utilizing the length and spacing of the covers to controlthe severance of the batts and also to control the resumption of feed, whereby variable spacing of the covers results in corresponding variable spacing of the batts.

22. In upholstery manufacture, the steps which comprise: feeding continuous batts and severing the same into successive sections; feeding precut covers at spaced intervals; and electrically controlling the severance of the batts, the stoppage of feed of the unsevered portions, and the resumption of feed, by saidcovers; the rear edge portion of the covers determining the instant of severance and the advance edge portion determining the instant of resumption of the feed of the batts.

` r23. The method as specied in claim 22, characterized by employing one electric circuit to effect the disengagement of a clutch and effect stoppage of the feed of the continuous strips of batts and severance of the batts, and employing another electric circuit to control resumption of feed of the continuous strips of batts.

24. In upholstery manufacture the steps which comprise: pneumatically gripping pleat-fulnesses of successive pre-cut cover fabrics having raised seam-portions intervening between the pleat fulnesses, and advancing the covers thus gripped; bringing a second fabric into position over the rst mentioned fabric and into engagement with the seam-portions thereof; feeding strips of batts into said pleat-fulnesses as the fabrics advance to the place where the second fabric is applied; severing the batts into successive sections; and utilizing the length and spacing of the covers to control the severance -of the batts and also to control the resumption of feed, whereby variable spacing of the covers results in corresponding variable spacing of the batts.

25. In upholstery manufacture, the steps which comprise: pneumatically gripping pleat-fulnesses of successive pre-cut cover fabrics having raised seam-portions intervening between pleat-fulnesses, and advancing the covers thus gripped; bringing a second fabric into position over the rst mentioned fabric 'and into engagement with the seam-portions thereof; feeding strips of batts into said pleat-fulnesses as the fabrics advance to the place where the second fabric is applied; severing said batts into successive sections; and electrically controlling the severance of the batts, the stoppage of feed of the unsevered portions, and the resumption of feed, by means of said covers, .the rear edge portion of the covers determining the instant of severance and the advance edge-portion determining the instant of resumption of the feed of the batts. y

26. A machine for making pleated upholstery comprising: a frame provided with an endless suction-belt and spaced stationary ridge bars whereby pleat-fulnesses in pre-cut cover fabrics may be suctionally gripped and intervening position as said covers are advanced by said belt;

means for feeding continuous strips of batts into engagement with said covers; and automatically Y controlled batt-feeding and severing means, 4the automatic control being effected through the medium' of pre-cut covers and" dependent for its action upon the length and spacing of said covers.

27. Mechanism as specified in claim 26, in

vwhich the automatic control comprises electrical devices having circuits equipped with a contact brush adapted to engage said ridge-bars to complete the circuit.

28. Mechanism as specifled in claim 26, in which the automatic control comprises electrical devices having circuits, one of which controls the ating the batt-feeding and severing mechanism,

said transmission mechanism being equipped with an electro-magnet in a circuit with said brush and serves to shift an auxiliary clutch which throws into operation a power actuated device which serves to disengage a main clutch of the transmission mechanism and to close a keeper of a second electro-magnet with which the transmission mechanism is equipped, said second electro magnet being connected to said contact brush and serving to hold the main clutch disengaged while the brush passes onto the advance margin of the next succeeding precut cover. i

30. In a machine of the character set forth, the combination with -means for feeding a linseam-portions maintained in relatively elevated ing fabric, pre-cut covers and batting strips, and means for effecting severance of the batts; of a frame over which said covers are advanced, said frame being an electrical conductor; Aan elongated ilexible contact member disposed so as to be engageable with said frame to complete a circuit and said circuit beingl interrupted by an advancing cover; and electrically operable means in said circuit for controlling the means for effecting severance of the batts. v

, 31.A A machine as specied in claim 30 in which means is provided for varying the angle of the exible contact member with respect to the path of the covers so that the length of the severed batts may be varied with respect to an associated pre-cut cover.

32. A machine as specified in claimA 30, in which means is provided for adjusting the position of the contact member longitudinally of the frame so that the position of an advancing severed batt may be varied with respect to the associated advancing pre-cut cover.

33. A machine as speciied in claim 30, in which means is provided for varying the position of the contact member longitudinally and angularly of the table so that the length and position of an advancing severed batt may be varied with respect to an associated advancing pre-cut cover. i

34. In a machine of the character set forth, the combination with means for feeding a lining fabric, pre-cut covers and batting strips, and effecting severance of the batts; of means including a lever displaceable by engagement with said pre-cut covers and dependent for its 'effect upon the length and spacing of said covers for controlling the means for feeding and effecting severance of the batts. y

llrrlLIs'rER s. MITCHELL. 

